The Country House in Westchester

I toured The Country House in Westchester. The lady had given me all the information that I needed and took additional information for me. Right now, we're trying to see just a couple of different possibilities, whether it'd be assisted living or just regular apartment living. What I liked the most was it was not too large. The number of rooms that they had was somewhere around 80, so the size in relationship to the staff was nice. The staff was excellent, very informative, helpful with our questions, and showed us several different rooms. There was a gazebo area, a library, a playroom, an arts and crafts room, and a piano for music and events. I know that they had a transportation van if you needed a trip to a facility or a doctor.

We ended up choosing The Country House in Westchester for my parents. It's close to town and my dad wants to be living in the same town that they have lived in for the last six years. It's very cozy and accommodating. It's on the smaller side, which is appealing because you don't have to go very far to get to any of the amenities. Like every other place, they have a library and they have a little living room where you can go and sit. They've got some outdoor space, they've got some little studies that they call them, that you can go and sit and watch TV. They've got an arts center. We had a meal there and it was fine, it wasn't gourmet but it was fine. It's an older building and they're still renovating it.

My dad was at The Country House in Westchester. The room could have been cleaner. He was there for four years, and as far as the help, he had a great aide. The people who were with him every day would be a "five" because they tried their hardest. Before COVID, they had entertainment all the time in the main lobby, and they were good with their activities, but my dad just never used them. They had exercise and bingo, they had people come and play the piano, and they had groups come in and sing. At least once a week they brought everybody in and listened to music, but because my dad can't hear very well, all he probably heard was noise, so he wouldn't stay there.

My parents moved from a very large, grandiose facility to the CH in August of 2018. 6 months later, after 66 years of marriage my father passed, and for the first time in my mother’s adult life, she was “living alone.” I so appreciate the caring warmth and sensitivity that was and continues to be extended to my mother to help her not feel so “alone“ and to be so well cared for and attended to. The facility itself is lovely; cozy and warm, bright and clean with outside sitting areas surrounded by plantings and nature that are beautiful and peaceful. Reception, housekeepers and maintenance workers are always available, helpful and attentive and with a smile. Mom is very complimentary about how delicious meals are. Maria the chef, is most accommodating and takes great pride in her role and what she serves. During this pandemic, all meals and several holidays were spent in isolation. Maria went over and above to make those holiday meals special and lovely with beautiful tray settings and decorations. Before the pandemic, mom had enjoyed various activities; games, art, cooking, movies, outings and loved the regular live entertainment. Even during the pandemic, creative ways to keep residents mentally and physically stimulated were employed. Compassionate, kind, caring, sensitive are only a few words to describe the nursing staff. Mom is very comfortable, feels safe, and is so appreciative for theIr care and kindness. A few aides she refers to as “her other daughters” During this pandemic we had a death in the family. Of course we were not able to share this news personally with mom or to be together and supportive of one another. After some strategizing we came up with a plan. Carole the director of nursing, sat with my mother to be the presence and support her family was not able to be, while my sister shared the news with mom over the phone. Such an example of care and compassion! I’m one of 5 children. At this stage of her life, we are very protective of our mother. Her happiness, wellbeing and safety is of utmost importance. During this pandemic, I truly feel those at the CH have stepped up to fill our shoes as best they could. Most importantly they kept her SAFE! So that is my review and interpretation. What warms my heart and just as important if not more-so, is what my mother thinks. Overall she thinks CH is ideal and refers to it as “home.” She refers to her room as “her home.“ The 4 star rating is simply that nothing is perfect. I have always found however, that those in authority are approachable and willing to listen to concerns and suggestions. Thank you Halina and all of your staff!

The Country House in Westchester was very nice, clean, bright, and small. The staff was very informative, nice, and answered all our questions. The rooms come empty, so you have to bring in your own furniture, and that was one of the main drawbacks because we had no way of getting furniture from our house to there. It was well maintained.

The Country House in Westchester was very nice and very beautiful. I can't say anything bad about it. Everything was wonderful. It's just too expensive. The person during the tour was very nice and very informative. They said the seniors were out on a trip and I saw one team playing bridge or poker and they seemed very content.

I have lived here for 5 years. It is a wonderful place. The staff is terrific, very kind and caring. The food is acceptable and the nursing staff is great. I have no complaints at all.